Ukrainian women lead the green transformation — launch of a unique educational program
- energyactua
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Free educational program Solar Step opens new opportunities for 50 Ukrainian women in solar energy.
On November 1, 2025, in Kyiv, the free training course “Project management in solar power plant construction” officially started as part of the Solar Step program by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.
The program is designed for women eager to grow professionally in the renewable energy sector — a field that stands at the heart of restoring Ukraine’s energy independence.
The project is implemented by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation with the support of Mercy Corps and the educational partner KSE Graduate Business School.
Women in Energy: A New Stage of Ukraine’s Recovery
The full-scale war, large-scale destruction of energy infrastructure, and the urgent need for energy independence have made renewable energy sources (RES) a strategic priority for Ukraine. Currently, renewables generate over 10% of the country’s electricity, and according to the National Energy Plan, this share is expected to increase to 27% by 2030. Women still represent less than 30% of professionals in the renewable energy sector in Ukraine.
That’s why the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation launched Solar Step — an educational initiative created to empower women and strengthen the industry with qualified professionals capable of managing energy projects.
Solar Step: Turning Ambition into Real Opportunities
The course “Project management in solar power plant construction” aims to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical project management skills for solar energy development.
During the first selection phase, September 1 – October 8, 2025, organizers received 1,457 applications, and 50 participants were selected for free training through a competitive process.
Over four months, participants will complete four key modules, work on practical projects, pass assessments, and take part in workshops. The course combines online evening sessions twice a week and two in-person meetings — at the beginning and end of the program.
Relevance and Uniqueness
The program is built around current industry needs and is led exclusively by experienced practitioners working in leading solar energy companies in Ukraine.
Each participant will receive mentorship support, network with industry leaders and employers, and get a chance for a paid internship after completing the program.
“Ukrainian women are becoming the driving force of recovery — leading resilience and development across the country. Solar Step is not just a course, it’s a pathway into a profession that is reshaping Ukraine’s energy landscape,” said Yuliana Onischuk, CEO & Founder of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.
Education as a driver of energy independence
In the current energy crisis — when over 70% of the country’s generation capacity has been damaged — solar power has become one of the most effective tools for ensuring stable electricity supply.
At the same time, the war and migration processes have caused a shortage of qualified specialists: over 75% of employers report difficulties finding skilled workers.
Solar Step addresses this challenge by combining professional education, career opportunities, and women’s leadership development in a strategically important field.
“It’s an honor for us to join this initiative,” said Vitalii Savych, Energy advisor at Mercy Corps. “Renewable energy is exactly the kind of direction we aim to support. Today, solar power is becoming the new IT — a fast-growing, dynamic field with enormous potential. Opportunities already outnumber professionals, and I’m confident that those who complete this course will have every chance to succeed.”
“Solar Step is a partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economy, supporting its energy independence, and amplifying the voices of women in a field long perceived as male-dominated.
Together, we will nurture a new generation of female leaders in Ukraine’s energy sector. This will drive a profound transformation not only within the industry but across Ukrainian society as a whole,” said Valentyna Sakhno, Head of the KSE Business School.
